Issues

MY STAND ON THE ISSUES

"Indianapolis, Greenwood and the entire State of Indiana face major challenges in the areas of education, jobs, crime prevention, law enforcement and the widespread use of illegal drugs. These are all issues I've faced, as a family and community leader as well as through my careers in law enforcement and the armed services.

'These issues aren't easy -don't believe anyone who says they are. Of course, I have my set of core beliefs that I live by every day. But as your State Senator, I represent the entire community. So I listen to the people in my district, ask the tough questions, and strive to do what's right for our families and our future."

- Jack Sandlin

PRO-LIFE

My strong Christian beliefs guide me to protecting the life and rights of the unborn child. There is nothing I cherish more.

I'm honored to have been officially endorsed for the State Senate by the Indiana Right to Life PAC. This is an organization that I admire because of how they support the Pro-Life movement and cherish the sanctity of life. I appreciate their support and will work hard for their cause.

GUNS AND THE SECOND AMENDMENT

As a lifelong member of the NRA, I am an unapologetic supporter of the Second Amendment and will never support any law that undermines its provisions or seeks to remove any of its freedoms.

I am pleased to announce that I have received the highest rating that the NRA-PVF can give a non-incumbent candidate - a rating of AQ. The NRA-PVF can rest assured that I will always continue to fight for our Second Amendment rights.

EQUALITY AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

First and foremost, I do not discriminate against any law-abiding citizen who does his or her best to contribute to our community. That’s not how I was raised and it’s not how I live my life. Although I may have some disagreements with some people on issues related to their lives, I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. This includes members of all constituencies, most assuredly including those seeking to better define and protect their religious freedoms.

My faith provides me with a Christian foundation built on respect and understanding. The solution to these issues is tough. But I believe that the solution rests in both sides listening to the other side with an open mind, and without the stubbornness and hatred that has been the hallmark of extremists. Then, with a base of mutual understanding, I believe that the appropriate accommodations can be made to support those with strong religious convictions.

Please understand, though, that I also believe in the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law – and I will support and enforce the laws that are on the books. If I disagree with a law, however, I won’t just disregard it. Instead, I will educate and inform people on my viewpoint and steadfastly work to rewrite that law to better represent the views of my constituents.

ILLEGAL DRUGS

There are two issues here – the drug dealer and the drug addict.

As far as drug dealers (and those that supply them), this is the root of all of our problems. Without the dealers, there would be no supply. As your State Senator, I will support mandatory and severe minimum sentences for drug dealers. We must get them off the street and out of our state.

I have much greater compassion for drug addicts. It is my experience, as a law enforcement officer with vast experience in drug enforcement, that many addicts would accept assistance to overcome their drug problems and become positive, contributing members of our community. Therefore, I would support proven programs that help rehabilitate first-time offenders. We haven't gotten that right yet.

STRONG ECONOMY

I am an unabashed capitalist – and I believe that the economic system that has driven this country’s success can benefit both businesses and individuals. It doesn’t have to be an “either/or” situation. As State Senator, I will support less regulation and more responsibility within the economy. I will support programs that provide fair economic opportunities for the middle class.

SMALLER GOVERNMENT, LOW TAXES

Without proper oversight, the government has a tendency to run out of control. Every little appropriation and every small regulation contribute to a bloated bureaucracy that restricts freedom and increases taxes. I will fight against the greed and excesses that so often are associated with state governments throughout our country. I am dedicated to smaller government and lower taxes and have a track record as such.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

As State Senator, I will legislate with a focus on the long-term welfare of our state and our nation. Quick fixes often don’t work, at least if you’re looking to secure hope for a brighter future for our children and generations to follow. They should be our priority.

One example of this longer-term focus can be seen in my support for funding Pre-K education. We most likely won’t see results from this in the next 10 or 20 years. But it’s an investment in the generations that have recently been born and are yet to be born. There will be a significant benefit to supporting Pre-K. It will payoff in decades to come.